Muslim family celebrating Janmashtami for 29 years

NEW DELHI: A Muslim family here has become an epitome of communal harmony as they have been celebrating Krishna Janmashtami for the last 29 years.   Dr. S. Ahmed, his wife and three children have been celebrating Janmashtami for the last 29 years at their home by performing all rituals related to Lord Krishna's birth. Dr. Ahmed said his family and neighbours backed him wholeheartedly in his decision to celebrate the festival as celebrating a Hindu festival is a message against religious bigotry. "Today, it will be the 30th year of celebration. Every year, we pray to Lord Krishna not only for the happiness and prosperity to our family, but also for spreading a message of love, peace and brotherhood in the locality. Everyone helps us in the decoration for the festival," said Ahmed. "My family and I have great 'shraddha' (faith) in Lord Krishna," he said, adding: "Mandir, masjid aur gurdwara ne baant liya bhagwaan ko, nadiyaan baatein saagar baatein mat baaton insaan ko." Dr. Ahmed's house has a well-decorated pedestal dedicated to Lord Krishna, where the ceremonial prayers are performed by the entire family and neighbours. People gather in large numbers to see Lord Krishna's tableau set up by Ahmed at his house.